Stranded hiker rescued

Hiker stranded on PCT near Hwy. 242 rescued

At 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a cellular 911 call from Rip Stouffer who was stranded on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in a snow storm. Stouffer had planned to hike alone from Highway 242 to California via the PCT. On Monday, about 10 miles from Hwy 242, Stouffer encountered winter-like conditions. He had warm clothing and had food and water, but was not prepared for the severe sustained winter-like weather and snow accumulations.

Stouffer used his tent for a shelter and hunkered down until Thursday when he called for assistance. He phoned 911 and was routed to Lane County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch. Lane County Search and Rescue and Eugene Mountain Rescue were sent to Stouffer’s location. Late on Thursday night, he was located and crews removed him from the area early Friday morning. Stouffer was cold but not injured. He is a 57-year-old resident of Globe, Arizona.

"This is a good reminder for all outdoor users that the weather in Oregon can change quickly, particularly at the higher elevations. Snow storms in the high mountains are not uncommon in June," according to Sheriff's Office spokesman Steve French.